Aces-Painters semifinal series resumes on January 4

SEMIFINALISTS Alaska and Rain or Shine (ROS) still have eight days to prepare against each other in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinals series as the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup resumes on January 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Alaska Aces, under head coach Alex Compton, have seized control of their highly-physical series after winning in Game 5 (93-88) on Sunday with Cyrus Baguio and Calvin Abueva combining for 32 points.

“At this point, I don’t think anybody’s getting the momentum. We just have to prepare well in eight days,” Compton said. “Rain or Shine has come out and played us really well. They attacked us in transition, it just shows how good they are.”

Besides Abueva and Baguio, the Aces will be relying on Sonny Thoss, veteran Dondon Hontiveros and Tony Dela Cruz, and hustles of Vic Manuel.

“We’re going to play our best in Game 6 because we’re expecting them (Rain or Shine) to comeback strong,” he added.

Elasto Painters mentor Yeng Guiao, on the other hand, said the series is far from over.

“It’s not yet over. I’m very confident that we can still make a way to win two games and reach the finals,” he said.